The new concept album from Metallica and Lou Reed, Lulu, is out today but whatever you do, don’t call it a Metallica album. Drummer Lars Ulrich wants to be sure that’s clear: “This is a one-off project. It’s a new collective.” A collective that’s been released to rave reviews and pans by critics and fans alike.  Webzine Drowned In Sound says Lulu is Metallica’s “most interesting and engaging album in ages.” While others sing (pun intended) of its awfulness, it’s repulsiveness, is discordant-ness.
It’s also not really music and what emerges, according to reviewers, is a stream of consciousness -type thing, recited by Reed. Â “No drums, no guitars, no recognizable rhythms or keys,” Ulrich recalls. “Just these soundscapes, incredibly beautiful. And Lou reciting these potent words. It was so deep.”
Call it what you will, that definitely doesn’t sound like Metallica.
Whew, we just got all of the tourists out of town from the annual CMA Music Festival, and now Nashville is the last civilized stop on the way to Bonnaroo- the Woodstock of today, held just south of here in Manchester. TN. Bonnaroo, which began in 2002, has become one of the most successful music fests in the world. There are approximately 80,000 people camping and grooving all weekend long. This year, there are again some FAB performers including Kid Rock, Jack White, Metallica, My Morning Jacket, Vampire Weekend and a rare appearance by M.I.A. to name a VERY few.-